Terramodel®
Release Notes
• Installation
• Working with Tunnels
• Export/Upload to Trimble SCS900 (English only)
• Product Enhancements (Misc)
• Reminders
Terramodel Release Notes 2
F
Version 10.30
Part Number 0321-0804-D
Revision D
October 2003
Corporate Office
Trimble Navigation Limited
Engineering and Construction
5475 Kellenburger Road
Dayton, Ohio 45424-1099
U.S.A.
Phone: +1-937-233-8921
Toll free: +1-800-538-7800
Fax: +1=937-233-9441
www.trimble.com
Copyright and Trademarks
© 2003, Trimble Navigation Limited.
All rights reserved. The Globe &
Triangle logo, Trimble, and Terramodel
are trademarks of Trimble Navigation
Limited. All other trademarks are the
property of their respective owners.
Release Notice
This is the October 2003 release
(Revision D) of the Terramodel Release
Notes, part number 0321-0804-D. It
applies to version 10.30 of the
Terramodel® software.
Terramodel Release Notes 3
Product Information
These release notes describe the Terramodel 10.30 release. Please check the
Terramodel website for later revisions or late-breaking information.
Installation
This release is distributed on an autoinstall CD. If the CD fails to install
automatically, then run setup.exe from the CD.
Working with Tunnels
Terramodel has been enhanced to support the needs of the engineer and
surveyor working with points collected within tunnels.
The TunnelDTM command has been added. Using a HAL and VAL, this
command unwraps the points on a specified layer into a special coordinate
system which enables the Terramodel DTM engine to link the points even
though the points may overlap in true 3D space. Certain commands have been
enhanced to convert from this system as needed. A Tunnel Training Guide and
example files are included in the Examples\Tunneling folder on the Terramodel
CD. This guide explains the capabilities and limitations of working with tunnel
Terramodel Release Notes 4
data and is only available in English. Online help for tunneling is also available
when using Terramodel for working with tunnel information.
A tunnel.m menu file has been added to organize the new tunnel DTM-related
commands and certain commands from the Roadway module into a single
menu. This menu can be loaded from the MenuCfg command as described in
the training guide and in the online help.
The new import script file Callidus ASCII imports ASCII point data from the
Callidus Laser Scanner.
The TVLite command has been enhanced to display tunnel DTM data. In
certain data sets the time required to display the data has been dramatically
shortened. This command has also been enhanced to use the point color of each
point rather than using the color of the layer.
The RDX command has been enhanced to properly interpolate cross sections
from tunnel DTM data.
The XSheet command has been enhanced to properly interpolate cross sections
from tunnel DTM data.
The Shape command has been revised to have a new user interface and to
enable the user to enter circular segments.
The Earthwrk command has been enhanced to calculate average end area
volumes using shapes such as those required for circular tunnels with tunnel
DTM data.
The RoadDTM command has been enhanced to be able to create points from
circular shaped templates.
The Xsectionedt command has been enhanced to display and shade arc shapes
and tunnel DTM data. This command has also been enhanced to include a
measure option that can snap to the existing and proposed surfaces and report
the distance.
The ColorCode command has been added to the tunnel menu. This command
enables the user to color code selected points based on a user-defined table
specifying the distance from the existing tunnel DTM data to the proposed
design. This enables the user to visually identify areas that require differing
amounts of cut and fill, or that lie outside specified tolerances from the
proposed design.
The exporting of lines in DXF/DWG files has been enhanced. A single 3D
pline is created for each set, unless the set contains one or more arc segments.
Exported sets with arc segments are created as a series of 3D plines and arc
entities as required.
Terramodel Release Notes 5
Export/Upload to Trimble SCS900 (English only)
Terramodel 10.3 has added support for exporting data to the Trimble SCS900
Site Controller System. The support for sending data to the SCS900 system
consists of three parts:
• An exchange folder, which mimics the SCS900 field data structure. This folder is a
root folder for exchanging both SCS900 and Survey Controller data from Trimble CE
devices and must be properly referenced by both Terramodel and the Trimble Office
Synchronizer (see below).
• Terramodel export script for SCS900 data files. The export script for SCS900 differs
from all other export scripts; it acts as a file manager for the folders and file structure
of the device, and allows the user to export multiple and different filetypes in a single
execution of the script.
• Trimble Office Synchronizer, a separate program, which controls the exchange and
synchronization of data between the SCS900 Controller (TSCe or ACU) and the PC
or Network SCS900 exchange folder.
Please see the Terramodel online help for more information.
The Exchange Folder
This exchange folder can be located on your PC or on a network to which your
PC has access. The folder can be C:\Trimble Sync for example. Beneath the
root folder, each time a new device is connected to the PC that is operating
Trimble SCS900, Survey Controller or TDS / Trimble Survey Pro, a device
folder will be created and named as it is identified. Under the device folder, the
data structure of the device / software is copied on the PC, e.g., for Trimble
SCS900 the root data folder will be \Trimble SCS900 Data, whereas for
Trimble Survey Controller it will be \Trimble Data. Beneath the root data
folder you will find all the associated folders and data files used on that specific
device. In this way, Trimble Office Synchronizer will support the connectivity
and synchronization with multiple field crews / devices.
SC900 Export Script – It does a little more
The Export Script for SCS900 differs from all other export scripts in that it acts
as a file manager for the folders and file structure of the device, and allows the
user to export multiple and different filetypes in a single execution of the script.
The Script performs the following operations: -
• Trimble Sync Folder and Device selection – Allows the user to designate the
sync folder and, in the case of multiple field crews, select which device for which
they are creating data.
• Site Selection – Allows the user to send the data to a specified Site, and allows
the creation of Site level data, i.e., control points, background maps and site
calibration information.
Terramodel Release Notes 6
• Design Selection – Allows the user to create and manage multiple design folders,
and to create data to represent a new design or construction phase. Design level
information includes surface models, “live” foreground maps and stakeout
coordinate lists.
• Work Order Selection – Allows the user to create and manage work orders for
the site, complete with work order instructions and design folder references. This
means that a field operator can simply open a work order in the field, receive
written instructions on what is required and automatically load the necessary and
relevant data for the task at hand.
The SCS900 export script allows the user to create files by exporting objects
selected from the graphics views of Terramodel, or to add previously created
files to the exchange folder. Adding files to the exchange folder effectively
copies the file to the appropriate folder for the field device.
Trimble Office Synchronizer installs from the SCS900 CD
Trimble Office Synchronizer synchronizes data files between the SCS900 data
structure on the field device (TSCe or ACU) and the PC or Network exchange
folder accessible to Terramodel.
To install Trimble Office Synchronizer, follow the installation instructions on
the CD provided for your SCS900 installation.
Note to the Installer: The Trimble Office Synchronizer requires two
Microsoft® programs to be installed on the computer. These are “Microsoft
Active Sync®” and the “Microsoft .NET Framework®”. These may already be
installed on your computer, or they may to be installed during the installation of
the Trimble Office Synchronizer. If you have issues during installation, both
Active Sync and .NET Framework are available as a free download from
Microsoft.
Set Up the Trimble Office Synchronizer
The first time that you connect a device after installing the Trimble Office
Synchronizer, you will be requested to designate a root exchange folder. Be
prepared to identify the root of the SCS900 exchange folder (e.g. C:\Trimble
Sync). You will also need to enter the same information in the Terramodel
export script file.
Note: When Trimble Office Synchronizer first connects with a device, you will
be prompted to provide a name for this device. This device name will
subsequently appear as a folder created under the root exchange folder, e.g.
C:\Trimble Sync\Device 1. When you begin the SCS900 export script, this and
any other devices that have been connected will be listed, and you must choose
the device to which you wish to export files. This is so that Terramodel can
support file generation and synchronization for multiple field crews.
Terramodel Release Notes 7
Set Up the Terramodel Export Script
In Terramodel 10.3, an export script is installed for exporting data to the
SCS900 controller. Before your first use, edit this script following these steps:
1. Click the File\ExportUpload\Export Script Manager.
2. Highlight the SCS900 script and click Edit.
3. The SCS900 dialog box appears with the SCS900 Folder tab on top. Edit
the Sync folder field or use the Browse feature to point to the root of the
exchange folder, e.g. C:\Trimble Sync. The SCS900 data structure must
exist in a location accessible to the office computer, either on a local hard
drive or on a connected network drive.
4. Click OK at the bottom of the SCS900 dialog box to close the editing
session.
Importing data from the SCS900 Controller
Import from the SCS900 controller by using the regular Terramodel AutoCAD
DWG/DXF import script. These DXF files are transferred into the appropriate
exchange folder by the Trimble Office Synchronizer software; they will be
found in the Work Order output folder.
Important Note: All .dxf files created by SCS900 use the same standard layer
names. So if you are importing more than one DXF file created by SCS900 into
a single Terramodel project, and if you do not want the data from the various
DXF files to be on the same layers within Terramodel, rename previously
imported layers prior to importing additional SCS900 DXF data.
Product Enhancements (Misc)
Import/Export support for Nikon
The Import and Export commands have been enhanced to support the Nikon
data formats. Raw data and coordinate data from the 300 and 500 series
instruments is supported. Coordinates as well as feature code (.lst) files can be
uploaded to these instruments. The 800 Series instruments have a PC card on
them on which data is stored in a binary format. The user must export from the
instrument a Nikon ASCII raw data file as the binary is not supported. The 800
series are also supported using RS232. The feature code lists for the 800 series
are not supported.
Enhanced Export of Lines to DXF/DWG Format
The exporting of lines in DXF/DWG files has been enhanced. A single 3D
pline is created for each set, unless the set contains one or more arc segments.
Terramodel Release Notes 8
Exported sets with arc segments are created as a series of 3D plines and arc
entities as required.
Reminders
Note for ACU and TSCe Survey Controller users:
The Terramodel 10.30 CD release supports the new versions of the Survey
Controller software. To upload or download and import information to/from
these controllers, you must install the upgrade for the Trimble remote device
manager using the installation CD accompanying the device.
Enhanced pan and zoom abilities
Zoom In, Zoom Out- Rotate the mouse wheel up / down to zoom in / out. If
the keyboard focus is in a control which uses the mouse wheel (for example, in
a combo box or list box) you can still use the zoom feature by holding the [Ctrl]
key down and then using the mouse wheel.
Zoom to Rectangle- Works similar to the regular zoom command. Press and
hold the [Ctrl] key and middle mouse key (the wheel) and then drag with the
mouse to extend the zoom rectangle. When the mouse key is released the view
is zoomed.
Pan- Press and hold the middle mouse button and the drag with the mouse. A
"rubber line" is drawn on the view to indicate the pan extent.
Recenter- Press and hold the [Shift] key and click with the middle mouse
button. The view will be recentered to the location you click.
More commands are now available in the FDM module.
Numerous commands have been unsecured in order to allow all file types
required by Trimble field systems to be created, validated and supported within
the basic Field Data Module (FDM) system. The following commands are
grouped into the functions that they support and accompanied by a brief
explanation.
Surface Models
• QProf (Quick Profile)
• Set and BL (Create Breaklines)
• Setsmooth (To change the sharpness of breaklines)
• DTMEdge (Create a DTM Boundary)
• Linkset (Create DTM - generate quick (straight) contours)
Terramodel Release Notes 9
• MultilayerDTM (Form surface from multiple layers)
• TVLite (3D Visualizer - Viewing and validating surfaces)
Note: This means that FDM can import 3D Face models from CAD or
SCS900 and export surface models as TTM files to SCS900, Survey
Controller and SiteVision / SiteVision Office systems.
Background & Foreground Maps
• Explode (To break up DXF or DWG file blocks)
• Join (To connect lines that touch at end points)
• Connect (To connect lines that do not touch at end points)
• Break, Trim and Extend (To edit linework)
• Convert (To change plines to sets, creating points at the node points for
stakeout)
• Scale and ScaleElv (To scale imported CAD drawings e.g. from mm to m
in XY and Z)
• QuickLset (Browse quickly through imported DXF file layers)
• Copy, Multicopy, Mkblk (Commands to create data quickly)
Note: This means that CAD data can now be effectively imported, edited,
filtered and converted into DXF data that can be used by the Trimble SCS900,
Survey Controller, BladePro 3D or SiteVision systems as maps, linework,
points and alignments.
Control and Stakeout Points
• Point (To create points by manual entry)
• Ptblks (To create points at point block insertion locations)
• Divide (To create points at intervals along a line)
• Renumber (Renumber points in a file for stakeout)
• List (Generates a list of points)
Note: This means that point data can effectively be created and exported for
use as stakeout or control data within the Trimble SCS900 Site Controller or
Survey Controller field systems
Stakeout Lines
• Offelev (Create a line at a lateral and vertical offset to a selected line)
• Offseg (Offset a segment or entire line by a distance)
• OffsetDist (Offset a line by a specified distance)
• OffsetPoint (Offset a line to a specified point)
Terramodel Release Notes 10
• Pline, Box (Create a polyline alignment or box)
• Spline (Create a spline curve)
• Pointset (Create a set through a point number series)
• List (Generate an alignment analysis)
• Curve, Fillet, Circle (Curve generation commands for alignments)
• SCurve (Create a curve within a set line)
• Clip (Cut lines to within a selected boundary)
Note: This means that line data can effectively be created, edited and
managed for use in line stakeout or as background, foreground or avoidance
zone map data within Trimble SCS900, BladePro 3D or SiteVision systems
Road Models
• VNew, VClose (Allows use of Profile, section and other views)
• Segedit (Creation of horizontal alignments)
• HAL, VAL & Slope manager (Registration of Hz, Vt and Slope
alignments)
• RoadDTM (Creates a surface model output from road template model)
• GeomRpts (Alignment geometry reports)
• Station, IDStation (Sets and inquires alignment stationing)
• Materials (Access to Road Material Manager)
• RoadJob (Access to Road Job Manager)
• RoadMat (Access to Road Materials Shrink & Swell)
• ShapeClass, ShapeMan (Access to Road Shape manager and editor)
• Tmanager (Access to Road Template manager)
• Surface (Access to Road Surface manager)
Note: The basic commands required to enter a roadway definition that can
be exported to a DC file for use within SiteVision or Survey Controller are
now secured to FDM.
Improved Support for DC File Format
Export
• Upload of Control Points
• Upload of Stakeout Points
• Upload of Stakeout Lines
• Upload calibration information
Terramodel Release Notes 11
• Improved Roads support
• Control over the Job name and Survey Controller Version number
Import
• Survey Controller 10.7 import (DC and Job)
• Ground vector import
• Autonomous point with Lat, Long, Ht import
Also, the FDM menu (spfielddata.m) has been revised to include the commands
that are now available in FDM.
The ability to use the Terramodel Macro Language (TML) is now secured to
FDM. Note that the TML commands will function provided they do not call
secured command functions. For example, a command that calls the Volume
capability of Terramodel will not function without the Site Design module on
the hardware lock.
Latin Character Set added to tmodelf.fnt
The complete set of Latin characters was added to tmodelf.fnt in Terramodel
release 10.10. As a consequence, the superscript and subscript characters have
been removed from the tmodelf.fnt file. Users may add them into their fonts at a
desirable location as described on page 163 of the users guide or continue to use
the previous version of the tmodelf.fnt file. Other special characters above
character 127 have also been replaced. If these characters have been used with
versions of Terramodel prior to 10.10, it is recommended that the older version
of the tmodelf and tmodelp fonts files continue to be used with these project
files.
Vertical Exaggeration
In the ViewSet command vertical exaggeration should not be enabled for the
plan and sheet views. In the profile view vertical exaggeration must be enabled.
In the profile view you may set the exaggeration to 1 to effectively disable
exaggeration. Selecting objects by window will not function properly if these
suggestions are not followed.
Area command
The area command will not calculate the area of a set if there are duplicate
points or if the set crosses itself. If the command is unable to calculate the area,
close examination using the GeomRpts command can be used to determine the
error.
Refraction correction
There are two equations used for the refraction correction:
Terramodel Release Notes 12
(1 - K) / 2R
Where K is typically 0.14, or
(.5 – (k / 2)) / R
Where k is typically 0.07.
Both forms yield the same results with the appropriate value for (K,k).
Confusion can be generated when the “k” is inconsistently capitalized. Users
should note that RDE uses the second form of the equation where k = 0.07,
while Trimble Geomatics Office (TGO) uses the first form of the equation
where K = 0.14.
Note for Site work users:
For SiteWork to launch a 10.2 (or later) version of Terramodel, you must
modify the GDX.ini file found in the c:\windows (or c:\winnt) folder. The path
for Terramodel needs to be the new installation path, or SiteWork will continue
to launch the previously installed version of Terramodel.
[Launch]
Terramodel=C:\Program Files\Trimble\Terramodel\Terramodel.exe
/
